I remember coming across this original picture on 4chan years ago and thought it was kind of ironic that a man wearing a gas mask during World War One was riding a horse and holding a javelin. Also the poor horsey didn't have a mask in the original picture either.

Atrocity matches atrocity as the crisis in the Balkans spirals to engulf all of Europe in 1914. As it became clear that the Great War absolutely would not be resolved easily or diplomatically, the great powers of Europe began to invest heavily on new military technology -- tanks, machine-guns, aeroplanes, and the like. Horrifying was this development -- it became clear that technology was the new determinant of civilization and empire; no longer was chivalry important, as long as we can annihilate the enemy with our new invincible weapons. The Great War saw the pioneering of the psychologically-as-well-as-physically terrifying weapon that was poison gas. This new development caused the very air around oneself to grow acrid and venomous, so that one's lungs would burn from inhaling. Young men literally choked on air.

When experiencing the cruelest of atrocities mankind had faced up until that point, one would need to keep necessary precautions. Needless to say, morale was low on the front. There was a stunning dearth of friendship AND magic. There was simply not enough love and tolerance.

The Queendom of Equestria -- heretofore unwilling to get involved in this European conflict -- decided that it would be best to spread Love and Tolerance to the field of Europe in 1917. Spurned into action by the use of poison gas by the European powers, Princess Celestia of Equestria authorized involvement in the war. As General Fluttershy once famously said, the mission of the Equestrian units was to begin "sharing kindness." Commander Twilight Sparkle agreed vehemently, deciding that it was an "easy feat,/And magic makes it all complete."

Soon enough, Europe and modern warfare became about 20% cooler. From Equestria, love and tolerance was spread by six brilliant military leaders/best friends -- Generals Twilight Sparkle and Fluttershy, Admirals Rarity and Applejack, Rainbow Dash, head of the Equestrian air-force, and Pinkie-Pie, the Equestrian reality-warper.

With a policy of unrelenting hugs and cupcakes, Europe became once again a peaceable place, under the motto, "Friendship Is Magic." A civilized and mutually-beneficial peace pact was reached -- something that had been previously thought unattainable. Within months, peace, stability, and happiness was restored to Europe. On Hearth's Warming Eve, 1918, the deal was finally sealed when both British Prime Minister David Lloyd George and Kaiser Wilhelm II of the Second German Reich officially kissed each-other on the cheek and hugged. There was much blushing. There was also much rejoicing.

Recently, however, Equestria has been criticized for its use of Party Cannons and cupcakes in Belgium and the Netherlands, as, in the eyes of some, it was a wholly unnecessary waste of resources that cost the world too many hateful hearts. Critics of Equestrian policy claim that simple kisses or Christmas presents would've been sufficient to bring love and tolerance to Belgium. However, it is still the official position of Equestria that the Party Cannons were entirely necessary to spread Love and Tolerance -- as Commander Pinkie Pie has officially described it as, "Tons of Fun."

For some strange reason, I find this incredibly cute. Who would have guessed that oversized Rainbow Dash wearing a WW1 -style gas mask would look cute? Judging from how annoyed she looks, she's gonna fly away soon.